Page 101 of Stolen Kisses

“That sounds awesome,” Jeremy exclaimed. “Like in Harry Potter when they took baby mandrakes and put them in bigger pots.”

I laughed, ruffling his hair. “Something like that. If you want, I can tell your dad when we do it this year, and you can join in.”

“Yes, pleaaaaaaaaaase. You’re the best.”

I glanced at Duncan, who smiled and nodded.

Chase walked up to me, putting an arm around my waist from behind. “You’re amazing.”

I relaxed into his touch, smiling at Jeremy.

"Who wants seconds of brownies?" Susan asked.

There was a chorus of "Me," and she split the remaining tray between all of us.

"This is just as good as I remembered. I've missed it," Bruce said.

Susan pointed at him. "Don't you go complimenting me or you're going to talk me into baking another tray."

"That's exactly what I was aiming for."

Wyatt glanced at his parents, then immediately turned to Duncan, who looked perplexed.

The rest of the Sterling men were in various states of surprise.

"All right, what's coming up next?" Duncan asked after a while.

Bruce rolled his shoulders and said, "We don't have lots left to do in the basement. Some of us have to take the trash out to the dumping ground, and the rest of us have to carry away some of the furniture left in the bedroom."

We split the tasks, and I realized that Chase and I didn't have anything to do.

"What about us?" I asked.

Susan beamed at me. "As I understand, you two have plans."

Chase stepped next to me, kissing my right temple. "Yes, we do."

I raised a brow. "Really? What?"

"We’re going away for the rest of today and tomorrow."

My eyes bulged. "Really?"

"Yes.”

I was so surprised that I didn’t even know what to say.

We stayed for another half hour, helping disassemble the bed then bid everyone goodbye.

Jeremy, bless him, hugged me again. "Thank you so much, Hannah. You’re the best. And, just so you know, I'm actually looking for a drone for my birthday."

I threw my head back, laughing.

"Buddy, that's not how we do things," Duncan said in a firm but loving voice.

Jeremy winked at him.

As Chase and I headed downstairs, I said, “I feel a bit bad for leaving when there's still stuff to do."

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